My recent visit to see the junipers near Carson Pass, California, reminded me of the last time I saw these trees in October (see “Sierra junipers in the snow” for details). The trees had just been covered in snow and ice after the first storm of the season.

Sierra juniper after first snow – October 20, 2017

The weather is currently mild in the mountains but there’s a heat wave in the Bay Area with the temperature reaching 34 degrees C (93 degrees F) in my garden yesterday.

Such heat this late in the growing season forces me to adjust my schedule for when I do fall work. Until the temperatures cool down, I’ll treat my trees like it’s still summer and focus on watering and fertilizing.

Meanwhile, I know that in many parts of the country people are preparing their trees for winter storage. This isn’t an exercise we experience in the Bay Area so I’d love it if you can share your experiences, dos and don’ts, or any tips you have for people whose trees require protection in winter.

Depending on the feedback that comes in, I’ll look to do a post on the topic. You can leave your suggestions in the comments below, or email me directly (see email address at the bottom of the page).

In the meantime, here are two more photos from that October day three years ago.

Sierra juniper growing against a rock

Deadwood on a Sierra juniper, aka grand juniper (did you know Sierra junipers, formerly Juniperus occidentalis var. australis are now known as Juniperus grandis?)